Monthly Archives: June 2011

Smaller Versions Of My Stuff

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I have never been the most organized person in the world.  I have inherited the habit of making "piles" from my father.  I think of it as "organized clutter."  I know where everything is, but it’s usually not well-organized.  This is slowly changing.  In fact, I think I have a problem!
I love pockets.  I don’t know why.  There’s something so…so NEAT about a tiny little space just the right size for "something."  As an I.T. professional who helps a lot of people with their computing issues, it behooves me to travel prepared for anything I might encounter.  A few years ago I got a new work-issued notebook computer and decided to splurge on a new bag with which to carry it.  After a lot of looking and research, I settled on the Hamptons Hybrid from bbpbags.com.  This bag is incredible.  Pockets in pockets in pockets, with a zipper-access sleeve so you can get right at the computer without otherwise opening the bag.  The strap converts so you can wear it over one shoulder, as a messenger bag, or as a low-slung backpack.

As I write this, I am in Atlanta, Georgia a day before the annual Labman Conference.  Not yet ready for bed, I decided to inventory my bag and show you what I carry around on a daily basis.  Here is all the stuff I carried with me on my trip:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see there are 2 bags and my vest.  (More on the vest later.)  The tan bag has my clothing and toiletries.  The black bag is my Hamptons Hybrid.  Here is a list of its contents:

  • MacBook Pro (17")
  • Power Adapter for MacBook Pro
  • USB A <–> B Cable
  • File Folders (2)
  • CD/DVD case (multiple utility and OS restoration disks)
  • Over-ear headphones
  • FireWire 400 <–> MiniDV cable (for connecting to a camcorder) (2)
  • FireWire 800 <–> MiniDV cable (for connecting to a camcorder)
  • FireWire 400 <–> 800 cable
  • USB Card Reader
  • FireWire 800 cables (3…?  Don’t know why I have 3!  I only need one.)
  • Freeloader and cable for iPhone. (Solar- or USB-charged battery for iPhone/iPod/iPad)
  • Multimeter (tests continuity, AC, and DC voltage)
  • iPhone case
  • iPhone cables (2)
  • AC <–> USB 2-port charger
  • USB <–> Mini USB cables (2)
  • Black Pen
  • Red Pen
  • Black Sharpie
  • Mechanical Pencil
  • USB Extension
  • VGA Cable
  • Apple Mini Display Port <–> VGA adapter
  • Ethernet Cables (2)
  • Deck of cards
  • Keys
  • 1/8" stereo headphone male-male cable
  • 1/8" stereo headphone female-female adapter
  • In-ear stereo headphones (earbuds)
  • USB WiFi network adapter
  • Small locking pliers
  • AC <–> USB charger
  • Assorted mini screwdriver kit
  • AC 3-prong <–> 2-prong adapter

Contents:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Hybrid Hamptons bag also enclosed my iPad bag.  THAT contains:

  • Contact lens case
  • Black Pen
  • Blue Pen
  • Mechanical Pencil
  • Highlighter
  • Business Cards
  • Mini Composition Notebook
  • Regular Composition Notebook
  • iPad
  • iPad charger
  • iPad cable

Contents:

I also wore my Fleece 5.0 ScotteVest (sans sleeves).  This thing is incredible in its own right.  If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.  24 pockets!!  Mine routinely contains:

  • Blue pen
  • Mechanical Pencil
  • Notepad (3×5 spiral)
  • Bluetooth headset
  • iPhone earbuds
  • Fingernail clippers
  • 1/8" stereo headphone splitter
  • iPhone in-ear headphones

And for this trip it has 4-5 napkins just in case.

All of that stuff.  In 1, well-designed, well-packed and completely manageable bag and one incredibly-designed vest.

As I look back on this after having typed it, I realize that I can never ever make fun of purse-carrying women again!!  All totaled, that’s about 70 different things, if I don’t get stupid and count each playing card individually.

Am I a hoarder?  Or am I just (overly) prepared?